MO Bishops Issue Statement After Execution of Ernest Johnson

Pope Francis issues Motu Propio, ‘Traditionis Custodes’
Springfield
In response to the many questions regarding the Holy Father’s recent Motu Propio regarding the celebration of the Tridentine Mass of the Roman Rite, also known as the Extraordinary Form of the liturgy, or the Traditional Latin Mass, Bishop Edward M. Rice issued the following memorandum to the diocesan presbyterate on Thu., July 22, 2021, the Feast of St. Mary Magadalene. He asked that it be shared with the faithful:
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As you may be aware, Pope Francis recently issued the motu propio, “Traditionis Custodes,” which changes the guidelines for the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass, also known as the Extraordinary Form.
To those who regularly participate in the Extraordinary Form, who are experiencing anxiety over this change, please be assured of my concern and prayers for you. I have every intention and desire to ensure that your spiritual and pastoral needs are met.
I have decided that there will be no change to the current practice at this time [in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau].
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+Edward M. Rice
Bishop of Springfield-Cape Girardeau
We, the Catholic Bishops of Missouri, issue this statement to express our opposition to the legal recognition and use of alkaline hydrolysis as a means of disposing of human remains since it fails to fully respect the dignity that is owed to the deceased.
Every human person has an innate dignity that calls for the utmost respect of the body both in life and in death. Reverence and respect for the human remains of those who have died has been, and should remain, a guiding principle for the proper disposal of these remains. (more…)
We, the Catholic bishops of Missouri, wish to address the senseless gun violence that is occurring in our schools, on our streets, and in our inner cities. The disturbing frequency of these events is making us numb to the profound impact on those directly affected and it calls for serious reflection on why people are carrying out senseless acts of violence. It is also appropriate to consider the use of guns in society.
Our nation needs to have an honest discussion about the toll violent images and experiences are having upon us, especially our youth. We must work toward peace in our communities through restorative justice policies and practices, and through ongoing discussions about the presence of so much violence in our entertainment and neighborhoods. (more…)